In my estimate, I didn't add cost of engineer drawings for the floor plans, steps, etc but it wasn't near $180k.

I'm an engineer, but my husband and I have been investing in RE for years to provide cash flow so that I can quit working when we have kids. 

That said, when we examine a property with oil heat, we will budget the cost of converting it to either gas or electric in our offer analysis.Our reasons to move from oil are as follows:1) environmental and health liability of storing large quantities of fuel oil (essentially diesel) on-site.  

There should be a balance between "too open" and all offices where it is more difficult for folks to collaborate with one another.For me and the engineers I've managed, we'd probably all vote to have offices due to the nature of work, but I know there is a hybrid approach that would allow devs to get the uninterrupted thought-cycles they need to write code but still be able to pop their heads up for quick collaboration. 

That process alone was enough to right a small book - coordinating between geo-technicians, city and structural engineers, architects, arborist, land surveyors and finally my GC!

Does he have already approved plans or do you need to hire an architect/ engineer or both?

You can then engineer a plan for a pricepoint and perhaps terms that favors you, as buyer, in the eyes of both the seller and, hopefully the bench officer (judge). 

We had several home projects that we requested 3 different company estimates: hardwood floor refinishing, baseboard installation, enclosing a porch to insulate with electric to add square footage to house and have sunroom, sprinkler system, outside deck/porch installation, paving of driveway, move a fence, possible foundation repair, structural engineers to clear no structural damage, inside painting companies, and attic insulation among others. 90% of all the estimates were never sent at all, or required 3+ calls to estimator and/or manager to have estimate finally sent.

The other issue is to get an engineering study will take around 3 months and another 2-3 for the permits.

Also ask them if they would use the crosswalk if you put one in because you'll probably need to hire an engineer for a traffic study to determine what type of signs/signals are needed for the crosswalks.Coffee shops are always welcome if there isn't one around.